Let’s EMBRACE Bossy!

So Sheryl Sandberg wants the term “bossy” banned from our vocabulary (very surprised, because she’s the LAST PERSON . What’s the deal with banning terms anyway First, it was “plus sizes” and now, “BOSSY?” Can’t we just learn to EMBRACE the term? “Bossy” doesn’t have to be negative. It can be very empowering, giving people – especially girls – the chance to have a strong voice. I often consider myself bossy, and people have said that about me. And I honestly don’t care. Yes, I’m big on “acting like a lady,” but there’s a time and place. If I’m not having a formal dinner at a nice restaurant, there’s no need to “act like a lady.” Besides, men and boys need to “act like gentlemen” in these places, anyway, so it’s not like we have a completely different set of “rules” to abide by.

This little girl is bossy (though she could be a little bit meaner). She is a leader (or will grow up to be).

For me, acting “bossy” or “bitchy” is often with the fashion world (where I spend a good deal of my time). I’m not like a lot of fashion bloggers who have sold out. While yes, I do like working with brands and will write sponsored posts, I try my best to write from the heart and write exactly how I feel. I also feel comfortable criticizing designers and brands – especially if their styles do not look “friendly” to most body types. And finally, I will definitely challenge any body image activist on petite issues. Call me bitchy. Call me bossy. Call me a Dragon Lady (okay, I haven’t had that yet, but I’m okay with that, too, despite the (somewhat) racist tone). I’m okay with that (though if you tell me that I don’t have “size issues” because I’m a 0, that’s a WHOLE OTHER STORY. And yes, I will call you out and tell you that you’re an idiot).

I think we, as females, need to embrace this so-called “bossy” attitude if we want to get anywhere. As I said earlier, there’s a time and place to “act like a lady.” The workplace is not the time or the place. We don’t need to “act like men” as they say – it’s not the 80s – but we do need to stop complaining, start working and encourage young girls to do the same. Having the attitude is not the problem. It’s just how people react. We just have to make it “normal.” The “bossy” attitude shows leadership. #embracebossy.

Image credit: © Primeop76/iStockPhoto

About Cynthia Cheng Mintz

Cynthia Cheng Mintz is the founder and webitor-in-chief of this site and the petite-focused site, Shorty Stories. She has also written for other publications including the Toronto Star and has blogged for The Huffington Post. Her first novel, Aspirations, was published in 2007. Outside of writing, Cynthia researches and advises philanthropic ideas for family funds and foundations and also volunteers.